Noncode alarm signal system



March 18, 1941. J WHEELOCK 2,235,272

uoucoma ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed June 24, 193a 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 &

]0 k7Z Knee/00% I March 1941- J. H. WHEELOCK NONGODE ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEMFiled June 24, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 77/5674 UPEMI'GB SOLF 6544sPatented Mar. 18, 1941 UNITED STATES NONCODE. ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM JohnH. Wheelock, Fitzwilliam, N. 11., assignor to Signal Engineering &

Manufacturing Company,

New York, N. Y., a corporation of Massachusetts Application June 24,

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to alarm signal systems, particularly firealarm systems, embodying a number of bells or other signals adapted tobe sounded or otherwise operated in response to the actuation of any oneof a number of separate alarm sending stations, such alarm systems beingcommonly installed in schools, factories, hotels and other largebuildings.

In the installation and operation of alarm signal systems, it isnecessary to have continuous electrical supervision of the variouscircuits and pieces of apparatus embodied in the system, so that anyabnormal circuit condition, such as the occurrence of a break or groundwill be immediately called to attention upon the operation of a specialtrouble signal, distinct from the alarm signals. Furthermore, it is mostessential that the alarm signals should not be operated to give a falsealarm upon the occurrence of any of the abnormal conditions that arenoted above.

In my co-pending application, Serial No. 86,512 filed June 22, 1936,there is shown and described an alarm signal system of the aboveindicated type, which system is particularly characterized by theutilization of a single winding for the operation and supervision of thesystem, thereby greatly simplifying the system from the standpoint ofinstallation and maintenance. The system disclosed in the aforesaidco-pending application, is responsive to the actuation of any one of anumber of sending stations having different code designations, with anygiven station serving to cause some or all of the signals of the systemto give a distinctive alarm, in accordance with the code designation ofthat particular station.

The present invention relates to an alarm signal system operating on thesame general principle as the system disclosed in the aforesaidcopending application, with all the signals giving the same alarm inresponse to the actuation of any one of a number of identical noncodesending stations. The system of the present invention also contemplatesthe utilization of means for causing all the signals to give a commonmaster code, such as-a repeated sequence of signal impulses, in responseto the actuation of any noncode sending station, as well as to providefor the sending of distinctive master codes, in accordance with thelocation of an actuated noncode sending station in a particular sectionof the system. The above and other advantageous features of theinvention will hereinafter more fully appear from the followingdescription with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a schematic view illustrating the sys- 1936, Serial No. 86,921

tem in its normal condition, with continuous electrical supervision ofits various circuits.

Fig. 2 is a schematic View similar to Fig. 1, ils lustrating the sendingof an alarm upon actuation of one of the noncode sending stations.

Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic views similar to Figs. 1 and 2, illustratingthe functioning of the system for sending a mastercode, in response tothe actuation of any one of the'noncode sending stations.

Fig. 5 is a View in front elevation, showing the construction of thecircuit controlling device embodied in the system. i

Fig.6 is a view in side elevation of the device of Fig. 5. 1

Figs. 7 and 8 are schematic views, illustrating the functioning of thesystem for sending different master codes, in accordance with thelocation of the actuated noncode sending station.

Like reference characters refer to like parts in the different figures.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the signals I, which are adapted to besounded or otherwise electrically operated for giving an alarm areshown, for purposes of illustration, as being of the singlestrokesolenoid type, with each signal providing an operating winding 2 within,which moves a magnetic striker 2a. The windings 2 of the signals l areadapted to be connected in sections across the supply mains 3 and 4,with balancing resistors 5 between the sections, by means of a number ofpairs of relatively'movable contacts 6 and 1, forming part of a mastercontroller, generally designated by the reference character A.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the master controller A comprises a magneticcore 8,.one leg of which is surrounded by an energizing winding 9, whilethe lower end of the other core leg supports a main armature I0 and anauxiliary armature ll, movable independently of the main armature. Themain armature carries a bar IE, on which are mounted a number ofcontacts 6, corresponding to the movable contacts of the several setsshown in Fig. 1 for controllingenergization of the signal windings 2.These contacts 6 are in the form of arms insulated from the bar [2 at E3and cooperate with the stationary contacts! mounted on an insulatingbase M of the master controller A. Therefore, closure of the mainarmature it, in response to energization of the winding 9, is adapted tosimultaneously energize the signal windings 2, in sections, according tothe connection of the several pairs of contacts 6 and 'l to the signalwindings and to the supply mains 3 and 4.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the winding 9- of the master controller A isshown as having one terminal thereof connected to the supply main 3,while the other terminal thereof is connected in series to one end ofthe thermal element l5 of an automatic circuit interrupter of the typeshown in the Hanel Patent No. 1,868,500, issued July 26, 1932.- Theinterrupter is shown diagrammatically as consisting of a pivoted arm l6connected to the other end of the thermal element l5, with the initialtension of the element 5 maintaining the arm 6 in engagement with astationary contact Upon the passage of a predetermined current throughthe thermal ele-- ment 5, its heating and expansion permits a spring |5ato turn the arm l6 about its pivot to disengage stationary contact 11,whereupon cur rent no longer flows through the element I5. The

resulting cooling and contraction of the element 5 causes the arm It tore-engage contact ll, whereupon the cycle is repeated to cause theinterrupter to make and break'the circuit of the element l5 so long as'sufficient current flows through the element to cause its expansion.

, The stationary contact I! of the thermal element I5 is connected inseries with a number of alarm sending stations S, of the noncode type,disposed in various locations throughout the system. Each sendingstation S provides independentpairs of spaced stationary contacts l8, l9and 20, 2| and in the normal non-operating con- 'dition of the station acircuit is maintained between the contacts IB and 9 by a bridging member22, while a second bridging member- 23, insulated from member 22,maintains a circuit between contacts 20 and 2!. The showing of thestation, referred to above, is entirely'diagram 'maticand it will bereadily understood that a 'stationyof this character can be constructedin various ways in order to accomplish the results contemplated by my.invention. In the illustrated embodiment. of a station S, the breakingof a glass G, permits a spring-actuated plunger P to turn the bridgingmembers 22 and 23 into the position of Fig. 2, the bridging membersremaining in this position until the glass at the operated; station hasbeen replaced.

Normally, allthe contacts I8 and 9 of the several stations S areconnected in series through the. bridging members 22, and the contact |9of the station farthest removed from the controller winding 9 in thecircuit, is connected through a station conductor 24 to a controllingresistor 25. The resistor 25 is connected to the signal windin s. 2, andthe winding 2 of the last signal section is connected to the bridgedstation contacts 20 and 2|.by conductor 26. The nearest station contact2| is connected to supply main 4 through a conductor 2!v and resistor 28and normally, a small supervisory current traverses the parts oftheLsystem. described thus far as follows:

Beginningat-the supply main 4, the supervisory current flows through.the resistor28, conductor 21,; station contacts 2| 20 and conductor 26to the windingsZ and resistors 5 of the several sections of signals l'.The current then passes through the controlling resistor 25 andconductor 24,130 the bridged contacts l9 and I8 of the several. stationsS, and. from thence through the thermal element l5 and the controllerwinding 9, to the grounded supply. main 3. The value of the supervisorycurrent is 'suchas to energize the winding 9 just enough to attract andhold up the auxiliary armature ll, while the main armature remains down;therefore, the system remains in Operation of alarm signals Whenever theglass G, at any one of the stations S is broken, for the purpose ofsending an alarm, the plunger P turns the bridging member v 22 intoengagement with the contacts l8 and 2|,

while member 23 engages only contact 20, as shown in Fig-2. When thisoccurs, the resistor 25 and signal windings 2 are cut out of the circuitat the unengaged contact 9 of the actuated station, and the increasedcurrent flowing through the master controller winding 9 directly fromsupply main 4, pulls up the main armature l and closes all controllercontacts 6 and 1, Upon closure of the controller contacts, current flowsfrom the supplymain 4 through a conductor 29 leading to the stationarycontacts 1 at the left of the winding 9, from which contacts signaloperating current may follow two paths. One path includes a conductor30a, leading to the first section of signals and from then through aconductor 3|a to the closed controller contacts at the right of thewinding to the grounded supply main 3, while a second current path forthe other sections" of signals is established through a conductor 30band the conductors Ma and 3").

The closing of the controller contacts, upon full energization of thecontroller winding 9 also establishes a circuit for the interruptorthrough a conductor 32, and this circuit permits the flow of a greatlyincreased current through the thermal element I5. Therefore, immediatelyfollowing the sending of the first signal impulse upon closure of thecontroller contacts, the thermal element l starts to heat up and expanduntil the spring |6a actingv on the arm l6 disengages the arm fromcontact l1. When this occurs, the winding 9 is completely de-energized,whereupon the armature It] falls and the controller contacts are.opened, followed by cooling and contraction of. the thermal element IEto reengage arm, l6 with contact Since the resistor 25 is stillmaintained out of the circuit through the bridgedcontacts l8 and. 2| atthe actuated station, the winding 9 again pulls up the armature Hi togive a second signal impulse, followed by expansion of the thermalelement l5 to'again de-energize the controller. Therefore, as long asthe contacts l8 and 2| at the actuated station remain bridged, thesignal windings 2 will be intermittently energized and deenergized togive successive signal impulses spaced atregular intervals, without anycode designation.

The operation of the signals will continue in the manner described aboveuntil the glass at the actuated stationis replaced, thereby unbridgingthe contacts l8 and 2| and reinserting resistor 25, signal windings 2and resistors 5 in circuit with the bridged contacts l8, l9 and 29, 2|.This restores the entire system to the supervised condition of Fig. l,in readiness for giving another alarm, or to indicate any abnormalcircuit condition through opear-tion of a trouble signal, as will nextbe described.

Indication of abnormal circuit condition As previously pointed out, thecontroller A provides an auxiliary armature II, and as long assupervisory .current traverses the winding, this armature II is held up.With the armature II in its raised position, a rod 33 serves to hold amovable bridging member 3411. in engagement with spaced stationarycontacts 34. The contacts 34 are in circuit between a resistor 35connected to main 3 and one terminal of the operating winding 36 of anauxiliary trouble signal, the other terminal of which is connected tosupply main 4. Therefore, as long as the armature H holds contacts 34bridged, the trouble signal winding 36' will be traversed by only asupervisory current just sufficient to hold a plunger 36a out ofengagement with open contacts 31', shunted across a resistor 35 incircuit with the winding 35 of 'a main trouble signal. Upon theoccurrence of a break or a ground in the circuits of the signals I, thesending stations S, or in the circuit of the thermal element I5,

the auxiliary armature I I will fall, thereby opening the contacts 34 tocause deenergization of winding 36 and closure of contacts 3'I. Thisshort circuits resistor 35 and causes energization of the main troublesignal from source B, all as disclosed in my aforesaid co-pendingapplication, Serial No. 86,512 as well as in my Patent No. 2,170,104,issued August 22, 1939. Additional trouble contacts 51 are held closedwhile armature III is down, as hereinafter described with reference toFig. 4.

As previously pointed out, the system of the present invention ischaracterized by the fact that the signals I cannot operate upon theoccurrence of an abnormal circuit condition, such as a break or ground.This is primarly due to the fact that the signals I can only beenergized upon closure of the controller contacts 6 and, obviously, themain armature I cannot pull up upon the occurrence of a break or groundin the signal and station circuits. Upon the occurrence of a ground inthese circuits, the presence of the resistor 28 limits the currentflowing through any of the windings 2 to-such a low value as to preventoperation of the signals, so that closure of the main controllercontacts is the only Way in which sufficient current can flow throughthe signal windings 2 to fully energize them. Therefore, by the presentinvention there is provided a completely supervised signal alarm systemof the noncode continuous type, and the manner in which the system maybe extended, without substantial change, to operate in conjnction withmeans for sending a master code by actuation of noncode stations, willnext be described.

Operation of alarm signals with master code Referring now to Fig. 3,there is shown an extension of the system, wherein the essentialelements, such as the controller winding 9, thermal element I5, sendingstations S and windings 2, are connected in substantially the samemanner as previously described, with reference to Fig. 1. In addition,the master controller A provides a stepping mechanism operated by themain armature I0 through a pivotally connected rod 38, carrying a pawl39 at its upper end. The pawl 39 cooperates with the teeth 46a of aratchet wheel 49, so that each upward movement of the rod 38, inresponse to full energization of the winding 9, results in turning ashaft 4I, carrying ratchet wheel 49, through a predetermined angle. Theshaft 4I carries a master code wheel 42, providing a number ofprojections 42a, each having-a peripheral displacement corresponding toseveral teeth 4901; on the ratchet wheel 40.

The supply main 4 is connected by a conductor 43 to a stationary contact44 that is spaced from a movable contact 45, having one end bearing onthe'periphery of the master code wheel 42. The contact 44 is connectedto a contact 46, movable with the contact 45, although insulatedtherefrom at 41. The contact 46 is spaced from a stationary contact 48,and the contacts 48 and 45 are connected to the different sections ofsignal windings 2, by means of conductors 49a and 49b, respectively.

The supervisory circuit of the system of Fig. 3

is substantially the same as that previously described with reference toFig. 1, the current from the main 4 traversing the resistor 28,conductor 2'! and bridged station contacts 2| and 20. The current thenflows through station conductor 26 to the signal windings 2. From thesignals I, supervisory current flows through the controlling resistor25, station conductor 24, bridged station contacts I9 and I8, thermalelement I and controller winding 9, tothe grounded main 3. The value ofsupervisory current is such as to energize the winding 9 just enough toattract and hold up the auxiliary armature I I while the main armatureI0 remains down, with the pawl 39 in engagement with a ratchet tooth40a, in readiness to turn the shaft 4 I, upon full energization of thewinding 9.

Whenever the glass G at one of the stations S is broken, for the purposeof sending an alarm, the bridging member 22 is moved into engagementwith the contacts I8 and 2I. When this occurs, a, circuit is establishedfrom the supply main 4 through the conductor 21 direct through thethermal element I5 and controller winding 9, the resistor 25 and signalwindings 2 being entirely removed from the circuit of the controllerwinding 9. The increased current through the station contacts I8 and 2|fully energizes the controller winding 9 and, as the armature III pullsup, the pawl 39 turns the shaft 4I through one step. This results inclosing contacts 44, 45 and contacts 46, 48, by the code wheelprojection 420., and as the armature I0 completes its upwardmovement,-controller contacts 6 and I are closed. Therefore, the firstpull up of the main armature III establishes a number of circuits, asfollows:

Closure of the contacts 44, 45 and 46, 48 prepares circuits from thesupply main 4 through the conductors 49a and 49b to the signal windings,which circuits are completed through the conductors 3Ia and 3Ib leadingto the closed right-hand controller contacts 6 and I, and the supplymain 3, thereby operating the signals I. Closure of the left-handcontroller contacts 6 and I, also establishes a direct circuit from thesupply main 4 and conductors 43 and 32, to the thermal element I5, andthe resulting heating and expansion of the later then causes thecontacts I6 and I! to open and deenergize the controller windingll. Asthe armature III falls, the pawl 39 is moved into position, inengagement with the next ratchet tooth 40a.

Upon cooling and contraction of the thermal element. I5, reclosure ofcontacts I6 and I1 again fully energizes the winding 9, since a directcircuit through the winding 9 from the main 4 is still maintainedthrough the closed station contacts l8 and 2 I. The armature I0 againpulls up to turn the shaft 4I through another step, and causes thesignals I to be operated again through the circuits previously traced.The projections 42a on the master code wheel 42, each have a peripheraldisplacement equal to a number of ratchet teeth, four as shown, so thatthe signals I will be operated in accordance with a predetermined timeor rhythm, such as one-twothree-four-one-two-three-four, that is, foursignal implses, then a pause, followed by four more evenly spacedimpulses. By such timing is meant a "master code which is always thesame, in response to the actuation of any station S, as distinguishedfrom a distinctive code for each individual station, as disclosed in myaforesaid co-pending application, Serial No. 86,512.

Following the actuation of a station S, the master code sequence will berepeated by the signals I as long as the glass G remains broken and thestation contacts l8 and 2| are bridged by the member 22. In order torestore the system to the condition of supervision, it is only necessaryto replace the glass at the actuated station. After this the signalscontinue to operate until a notch 50a on a disk 50 carried by shaft 4|causes contacts 5| to open. This breaks a circuit to the thermal elementl5, so that shaft 4| comes to rest in the position of Fig. 3, withsupervisory current traversing the bridged contacts IS, IS and 20, 2|respectively.

In Fig. 4, the system is shown with the provision of means for limitingthe number of master code sequences given by the signals in response tothe actuation of a station S. To this end, a counter-shaft 4|a isconnected by reduction gearing R. to the shaft 4|, the ratio of thegearing being such that the shaft 4| will make several revolutions foreach complete revolution of the counter-shaft 4|a. A control disk 52 ismounted on the shaft 4| a, and a movable contact 53 normally has itsfree end received in a notch 54 provided in the disk 52. The contact 53is connected by a conductor 55 to the thermal element l5, and turning ofthe disk 52 is adapted to move contact 53 into engagement with astationary contact 56. A conductor 43a extends from the supply main 4 tocontact 56, as well as to contact 44, which is under the control of themaster code wheel 42, in the manner previously described with referenceto Fig. 3, and the only other difference is that all the stationarycontroller contacts 1 are connected to the signals through conductors 3|a and 3|b.

Upon actuation of a station S, the first pull up of the main armature lestablishes the same signal-operating circuits as described withreference to Fig. 3, and also causes closure of contacts 53 and 56 uponturning the disk 52 through the displacement of one ratchet tooth 40a.Therefore, a direct circuit from main 4 will be maintained throughconductors 43a and 55 to the thermal element l5, as long as the contacts53 and 56 are closed. The resulting expansion and contraction of thethermal element |5 will cause the signals to give a predetermined numberof complete master code sequences determined by the ratio of the gearingR. After the shaft 4| has been turned through a number of completerevolutions, the circuit to the thermal element will be broken at thecontacts 53 and 56, as the contact 53 enters the notch 54. When thisoccurs, the thermal element ceases to function, due to the fact that theresistor 28 is then in circuit with the element |5 through the closedcontacts l8 and 2|, at the actuated station.

Since the main armature ID will be held up until the glass at theactuated box has been replaced, even though the thermal element hasceased to function, the system of Fig. 4 makes provision for callingattention to this condition. To this end, a pair of contacts 51 areincluded in circuit with the contacts 34 controlling the energizingcircuit of the auxiliary trouble signal winding 36'. The contacts 51 arebridged by a member 51a, only when the main armature I0 is in its lowerposition, see Fig. 5, while the contacts 34 are bridged only when thesmall armature II is held up by the flow of supervisory current throughthe controller winding 9, as before. Therefore, when the armature 0 isheld up after the sending of a predetermined number of master codesequences, the main trouble signal will op-' crate to indicate thiscondition until the system is restored to the condition of supervisionshown in Fig. 4, by replacing the broken glass at the actuated stationand re-establishing the flow of supervisory current through the bridgedstation contacts |8, l9 and 20, 2|.

As previously pointed out, the system can be further extended to causethe sending of multiple master codes, as defined above, in accordancewith the location of noncode stations in different sections of thesystem, and the arrangement and operation of such a system will next bedescribed.

Operation of alarm signals with multiple master code Referring now toFigs. 7 and 8, a master controller A has its winding 9 connected acrossmains 3 and 4, in circuit with a thermal element IS, the windings 2 andresistors 5 of one or more sections of signals and resistor 28. Thesystem also provides two or more auxiliary controllers A and A", havingtheir windings 9 and 9" connected to two different series of noncodesending stations S and S", located in different sections or floors ofthe building or buildings which are protected by the system. Thestations S and S are identical with the stations S of Fig. 1 and,normally, supervisory circuits are maintained through the bridgedcontacts l8, l9 and 20', 2| of one section and through bridged contactsI8, l9" and 20", 2|" of the other section in series with resistors 25',28' and 25", 28", respectively. Thus the system presents three separatesupervisory circuits, one including all the signals I, the thermalelement l5 and the main controller winding 9; a second circuit includingall the stations S of one section and the auxiliary controller winding9; and a third circuit including all the stations S" of the othersection and the controller winding 9".

The main armature ID of the master controller A is connected to a shaft4| through a ratchet wheel 40, in the same manner as previouslydescribed, and the shaft 4| carries master code wheels 42' and 42"having projections arranged for different signal sequences, as will behereinafter described. Movable contacts 58 and 59, bearing on codewheels 42' and 42", respectively, are adapted to cooperate withstationary contacts 60 and 6|, connected to the supply main 3. Thecontact 58, bearing on code wheel 42', is connected to one of a pair ofspaced stationary contacts 62, that are adapted to be closed by movablecontact 63, in response to full energization of the winding 9 ofauxiliary controller A. The contact 59 hearing on code wheel 42", issimilarly connected to one of a pair of spaced stationary contacts 64,adapted to be closed by movable contact 65, upon full energization ofthe second auxiliary controller winding 9". The upper contacts 62 and 64of the controllers A and A", are connected in parallel to a conductor 66leading to one right-hand stationary contact 1 of the master controllerA, the other stationary contact 1 being connected by a conductor 3! tothe signal windings 2. Thereiore, connection of the windings 2 to thegrounded supply main 3 can be selectively accomplished through operationof either auxiliary controller A or A, and its associated code wheel 42'or 42", as will hereinafter appear.

The terminal of the thermal element l5, far-' thest removed from thecontroller winding 9, is connected, through contact I1 and conductor 61,in parallel with contacts (58 and 69 provided by the auxiliarycontrollers A and A, respectively. These contacts 68 and 69 are inpairs, normally spaced apart and the lower the contacts 88 and 69 areconnected in parallel to the supp y main 4 through the conductor Ill.The pairs of normally open contacts 68 and 69 are adapted to bemomentarily closed and then opened by control members H and 1|", inresponse to full energization of either auxiliary controller winding 9or 9". As indicated diagrammatically in Fig. '7, the main armatures Ill.and Ill" are adapted to move the control members H and 11', upon upwardmovement of either armature, and momentary engagement between contacts68 or 69 can be obtained in any suitable manner. As shown in Fig. 8, arod 12' connected to the end of armature l, turns the control member llthrough the space-of one tooth 13', to first close and then open thecontacts 68, as the armature Ill completes its upward movement. v

Let it now be assumed that one of the stations S in the first section isactuated by breaking its glass. Upon bridging of the stationary contactsl8 and 2|, the resistor 25 is cut out of circuit, thereby causingarmature It to pull up, in response to full energization of the'winding9. This results in closing contacts 62 and 63, thereby selectivelypreparing a portionof a circuit, which is later completed to the signalwindings 2, through the operation of controller A. As the armature Illpulls up, the contacts 68 are momentarily closed, thereby shortcircuiting the signal windings 2 and resistor 28, and causing the mainarmature Ill of controller A to pull up, as shown in Fig. 8.

Upward movement of the armature It turns the shaft 4| through the spaceof one ratchet tooth 40a, thereby closing contacts 53 and 56, so as toestablish a circuit to the thermal element and controller winding 9 fromsupply main 4, in spite of the opening of the momentary contacts 68 ofthe auxiliary controller A. Turning of the code wheel 42' also closescontacts 58 and 60 at the first master code projection, thereby furtherextending the circuit to the supply main 3 from the previously closedcontacts 62 and 63 of controller A. Therefore, closure of the mastercontroller contacts 6 and T, as the armature l0 completes its upwardstroke, causes signal energizing current from main t to flow throughconductors 30 and 55, signal windings 2, conductors 3| and 6E,closedcontacts 62 and 63 of the controller A and closed contacts 58 and60 to main 3, thereby giving the first signal impulse.

Closure of the contacts 53 and 56 by the disk 52, also causes thethermal element l5 to function in the manner previously described, so asto intermittently deenergize and reenergize the controller winding 9.

The successive turning moveme'nt'sthus imparted to the shaft 4| causethe signals I to be operated in' a sequence determined by the angulardisplacement of the projections on the master code wheel 42; in thisinstance a repeated rhythm'corre'sponding to one-two-three one-two-threeone. Upon operation of a station S of the other section, -momentarybridging of the contacts 69 initiates the same cycle of operation justdescribed, with the exception that the signal windings 2 are energizedthrough the closed contacts 66 and 65 of controller A". In the lattercase, the master code wheel 42" controls the signal sequence, inaccordance with a rhythm corresponding to one-two-threeone-twothreeone-two. In other words, the particular'master code sequencegiven by all of the signals l, in response to actuation of any one ofthe noncode stations S or S", serves as an indication of the particularsection in which the actuated station is located.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that by the present invention thereis provided an improved alarm signal system, characterized by itsability to operate signals, in response to the actuation of any one of anumber of identical noncode sending stations. The signals may beoperated either continuously, or for a limited period, and on a mastercode basis, if desired. Furthermore,

the system can be readily expanded to cause,

the operation of the signals in accordance with a distinctive mastercode, todesignate the general location of the actuated station.

' In all the various modifications of the system, all parts are undercontinuous supervision, and the occurrence of a fault in any signalcircuit will not prevent operation of a station. Furthermore, thesignals are so sectionalized that the occurrence of a fault in onesection will not prevent operation of the other sections of signals.

I claim: 1. In an electric signaling system, the combination withtransmitting stations, each including contacts, with connectionstherebetween, and means for changing said contact connections upon theactuation of a station, signals of the single-stroke type, aninterrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit there-.

through, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller havinga winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said stationcontacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, andsignal energizing circuits including normally open contacts operable bysaid 9 controller, with the flow of supervisory current through saidcontroller winding being'irlsufficient to cause closure of its contacts,or to operate said signals or said interrupter, of

means responsive to a change in the connections of "the contacts of anactuated station to increase the current flow through said interrupterto.

such a value, as to cause said controller to intermittently operate saidsignals.

2. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations,each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and

means for changing said contact connections I upon the actuation of astation, signals of the single-stroke type, an interrupter operable toalternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by acurrent of given value, a controller having a winding in a closedsupervisory circuit including said station contacts, with theirconnections, signals and said interrupter, and

signal energizing circuits including normally open contacts operable bysaid controller, with the flow of supervisory current through saidcontroller winding being insufficient to cause closure of its contacts,or to operate said signals or said interrupter, of means responsive to achange in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, toincrease the current flow through said interrupter to such a value, asto cause successive energizations and deenergizations of said controllerwinding, with resulting intermittent operation of said signals by theopening and closing of said controller contacts.

3- In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and

means for changing said contact connections upon the actuation of astation, signals of the single-stroke type, an interrupter operable toalternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by acurrent of given value, a controller having a winding in a closedsupervisory circuit including said station contacts, with theirconnections, signals and said interrupter, and signal energizingcircuits including normally open contacts operable by said controller,with the flow of supervisory current through said controller windingbeing insufficient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate saidsignals or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in theconnections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase thecurrent flow through said interrupter to such a value as to cause saidcontroller to intermittently operate said signals, and means forrendering said interrupter non-operative, after said signals haveoperated over a predetermined period.

4. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, andmeans for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station,signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuittherethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controllerhaving a windingin a closed supervisory circuit including said stationcontacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signalenergizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operableby said controller, and a stepping device also operable by saidcontroller winding and providing contacts in one of said signalenergizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through saidcontroller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts,or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of meansresponsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuatedstation, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such aValue as to cause said controller winding to successively open and closeboth the signal energizing circuit contacts and the contacts undercontrol of said stepping device.

5. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, andmeans for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station,signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuittherethrough, when traversed by a current of a given value, a controllerhaving a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said stationcontacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signalenergizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts oper-.able by said controller, and a stepping device alsooperable by saidcontroller winding and providing contacts in one of said signalenergizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through saidcontroller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts,or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of meansresponsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuatedstation, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such avalue, as to cause said controller winding to energize said signals, inaccordance with the opening and closing of the contacts under thecontrol of said stepping device.

6. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and

means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station,signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuittherethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controllerhaving a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said stationcontacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signalenergizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operableby said controller, and a stepping device also operable by saidcontroller winding and providing contacts in one of said signalenergizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through saidcontroller winding being insufficient to cause closure of its contacts,or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of meansresponsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuatedstation, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such avalue, as to cause said controller winding to energize said signals inaccordance with a' sequence determined by a master code wheel driven bysaid stepper. J

7. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, andmeans for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station,signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuittherethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controllerhaving a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said stationcontacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signalenergizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operableby said controller and a stepping device also operable by saidcontroller winding and providing contacts in one of said signalenergizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through saidcontroller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts,or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of meansresponsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuatedstation, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such avalue, as to cause said controller winding to energize said signals inaccordance with the opening and closing of the contacts under thecontrol of said stepping device, and means actuated by said steppingdevice for discontinuing the energization of said signals after apredetermined period.

8. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations arranged in sections and each including contacts withconnections therebetween and means for changing said contact connectionsupon actuation of a" station, signals, an interrupter operable toalternately open and close a circuit therethrough when traversed by acurrent of given value, a controller having a winding in a closedsupervisory circuit including said signals and said interrupter, signalenergizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operableby said controller, and a stepping device also operable by saidcontroller winding and providing different sets of contacts adapted tobe included in said signal energizing circuits, with the flow ofsupervisory current through said controller winding being insufiicientto cause closure of its contacts or to operate said stepper, saidsignals or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the[connections of the contacts of an actuated station in one section toincrease the current flow through said interrupter to such a value as tocause said controller winding to successively open and close the signalenergizing circuit contacts and to include one set of stepper contactsin circuit. therewith while maintaining the other set of steppercontacts out of circuit.

9. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmittingstations arranged in sections and each including contacts withconnections therebetween and means for changing said contact connectionsupon actuation of a station, signals, an interrupter operable toalternately open and close a circuit therethrough when traversed by acurrent of given value, a controller having a winding in a closedsupervisory circuit including said signals and said interrupter, signalenergizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operableby said controller and a stepping device also operable by saidcontroller winding and providing difierent sets of contacts adapted tobe included in said signal energizing circuits, with the flow ofsupervisory current through said controller winding being insufficientto cause closure of its contacts or to operate said stepper, saidsignals or said interrupter, of means responsive to the actuation of astation in one of said sections to connect one set of stepper contactsin said signal energizing circuits and to increase the current flowthrough said interrupter to such a value' as to cause said controllerwinding to successively open and close the signal energizing circuitcontacts to operate said signals in accordance with a sequencedetermined by operation of the selected stepper contacts.

JOHN H. WHEELOCK.

